The Centre for Arab &
Islamic Studies (Middle East & Central Asia) forms part of
the ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences at The Australian
National University and is Australia’s premier location
for studies in this field, with a high international standing
and links with its major counterparts in the Arab & Muslim
world, as well as in North America and Europe.
The Centre integrates the
study of Middle Eastern and Central Asian contemporary politics,
history, culture, political economy, economics, and the religion
of Islam within the broader framework of the changing global order.
The Centre fosters the study of the region’s most relevant
languages of Arabic, Persian and Turkish. It also focuses on issues
pertinent to Australia's interests in, and the development of
its commercial, scientific and industrial ties with, its areas
of coverage.
CAIS is a multi-disciplinary
teaching and research Centre, with cognitive links with the ANU
College of Asia & the Pacific, as well as professional association
with its other Colleges. Its activities are guided by a fifteen-member
Advisory Board and a group of international advisers, made up
of prominent scholars in Arab, Islam, Middle Eastern and Central
Asian studies.
CAIS draws on the support
of a rich academic community at the ANU to bolster its coverage
and activities. Throughout the year students are encouraged to
attend special lectures and events by the leaders in the academic,
political, and business communities.
The CAIS is situated in a
new and contemporary styled building which reflects the architecture
of the region. Here, students have access to the leading academics
in the field, a specialised library, and an audio-visually enhanced
lecture theatre.
The primary objectives of
CAIS are fourfold:
WHAT CAN I STUDY?
The Centre offers graduate
programs, undergraduate courses and postgraduate supervision (PhD
and MPhil) on a wide range of topics, including Middle Eastern
and Central Asian politics, history, political economy, Persian,
Turkish and Arabic languages, literature and culture, and Islamic
studies.
